CST Global leads research project for GaN laser technology.

Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global Ltd (CST Global), the UK’s leading, independent, III-V opto-electronic semiconductor foundry, is to take the commercial lead on the prestigious, government-funded, CoolBlue research project, with academic partners Glasgow and Aston Universities.

The CoolBlue project, official title, ‘Quantum Cooling using Mode Controlled Blue Lasers’, is funded through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). EPSRC is the premier, UK government, research funding agency for engineering and the physical sciences, investing £800m per year in both research and postgraduate training.

“The CoolBlue project starts in April 2017 and will last 14 months,” explains Thomas Slight (pictured), development engineer at CST Global and project lead. “CoolBlue seeks to develop next generation GaN laser technology for use in atomic-cooled, quantum sensors. Traditional laser sources have proven too complex and inefficient to produce commercially, in this application. However, direct blue laser diode sources offer increased power and simplicity, with the opportunity to miniaturize quantum sensor formats and produce them in a robust format. The CoolBlue project funds two cycles of laser design, fabrication and test, which we will do at CST Global, optimizing key laser parameters, including power.

“The knowledge and expertise generated during this project will allow CST Global to develop new products for the emerging GaN laser markets. The successful introduction of these products will create jobs. The additional revenues will be re-invested by CST Global into further, aligned, research projects. Commercialization of academic research by the Universities of Glasgow and Aston should also have a positive impact on further, similar, research opportunities and funding.”